The "renting is throwing money away" line is too simple. Renting buys you flexibility and a predictable monthly cost; buying builds equity and locks in your housing over the long run. Which wins depends on you.
Questions that actually decide it
How long will you stay? The shorter your horizon, the harder it is for buying to pencil out once you account for transaction costs on both ends. How stable is your income and down payment? Ownership rewards buyers who can weather surprises. What does the same home cost to rent versus own once you include taxes, insurance, and maintenance?
The Boston wrinkle
Greater Boston has a tight rental market and strong long-term demand for ownership, which pushes many people toward buying sooner. But entry prices are high, so the down payment and closing costs are real hurdles. Running your own numbers - not a national average - is the only honest way to decide.
If you want, we can build a side-by-side comparison for a specific neighborhood and price point.
General information only, not financial advice.